NBPC Convention nurtures Christian formation

Shaya Gregory

As a little girl I defended my identity as a Black Presbyterian to those incredulous people who asked:

“Really! You’re Presbyterian, but you’re Black!?!”
 “You sure you aren’t Baptist?”

And although I wasn’t sure then what it meant to be Presbyterian, I clearly understood that I was Black and Christian. These dual facets of my personhood were developed coming of age in a distinctly African-American congregation.

I was looking for remnants of these traditions when, as a young woman, I became a Young Adult Intern in the Office of Women’s Advocacy at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Instead, I found myself in the quasi- familiar world of polity, confessions, homilies, exegesis and eschatological musings — that is quintessential Presbyterianism. 

The opportunity to discover where Black and Presbyterian converge lured me to the National Black Presbyterian Caucus 39th Convention in July, 2007. I felt a deep sense of pride in our “200 Years” (the theme of the event). And I was eager to situate my personal history within this grand legacy.

And there they were, thousands of Black Presbyterians from around the country! As refreshing at it was to vindicate — I mean validate — my assertions that Black Presbyterians existed, I was most enthused to encounter the faces of those I knew personally and those who I had only read about — living legends like Gayruad Wilmore, Katie Cannon and Renita Weems.

I was truly moved by a true hallmark of our Presbyterian faith — the connectional Church. NBPC afforded me an opportunity to bond with my sisters and brothers in Christ. It gave me a chance to interact and learn from other African-American young people who are committed to their Presbyterian upbringing.

Truly, my time at the 39th Annual NBPC Convention was nurturing to my Christian formation. The experience will be of sustenance as I continue to learn how to live in witness to my heritage, my Christian principles and my denominational confessions and creeds.

Shaya Gregory
Young Adult Intern 2006-07 | Office of Women’s Advocacy